Community battery storage will help “dumb” networks catch up with energy transition — RenewEconomy
Community battery storage could make Australia’s networks smarter and cheaper, and bring their technology into the same century as the clean energy transition. The post Community battery storage will help “dumb” networks catch up with energy transition appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Community battery storage will help “dumb” networks catch up with energy transition — RenewEconomy
Australia’s biggest carbon customers plan their escape from fossil fuels, but Morrison isn’t listening — RenewEconomy
Japan joins China in announcing a net zero emissions target. This is a big deal for Australia, which depends on fossil fuel exports, but its political leaders are not listening. The post Australia’s biggest carbon customers plan their escape from fossil fuels, but Morrison isn’t listening appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Australia’s biggest carbon customers plan their escape from fossil fuels, but Morrison isn’t listening — RenewEconomy
October 26 Energy News — geoharvey
Opinion: ¶ “Tesla Bears Prove Easy Q3 Math Is Hard” • Congrats to Elon and the workers at Tesla for a record setting Q3, by almost every measure. I’ll cover some of the financial highlights, but first, a royal roasting of Tesla bears is in order. Many of them say that regulatory credits are the […]
October 26 Energy News — geoharvey
Japan puts off decision to release treated Fukushima water into sea — Fukushima 311 Watchdogs
is it actually possible they are actually listening ??? Japan has put off a decision to release treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, government sources said Friday, after reports of a formal decision later this month triggered strong opposition from fishermen. Oct 23, 2020 Economy, Trade and Industry Minister […]
Japan puts off decision to release treated Fukushima water into sea — Fukushima 311 Watchdogs
Half of Japanese against releasing radioactive water from Fukushima plant; Seoul, Beijing also concerned — Fukushima 311 Watchdogs
October 20, 2020 A recent survey conducted by the Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun shows about 50 percent of citizens in Japan are against their government’s plan to discharge radioactive water from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.The survey was conducted on over one-thousand eligible voters from across Japan.Media reports say the fishing industry […]
Half of Japanese against releasing radioactive water from Fukushima plant; Seoul, Beijing also concerned — Fukushima 311 Watchdogs
Jeju Governor Vows to Take Legal Action against Japan’s Fukushima Water Release — Fukushima 311 Watchdogs
October 20, 2020 Jeju Province Governor Won Hee-ryong says he will launch both domestic and international lawsuits against Japan should it release radioactive water from its disabled Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. At a press conference on Tuesday, Won urged Tokyo to halt preparations for the release, be transparent in providing all relevant information […]
Jeju Governor Vows to Take Legal Action against Japan’s Fukushima Water Release — Fukushima 311 Watchdogs
S. Korean demonstrators ramp up protests against Japan’s plans to dump radioactive water into the ocean — Fukushima 311 Watchdogs
October 19, 2020 On Oct. 16, Japanese media outlets reported that the Japanese government will decide on whether or not to dump radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean. On Oct. 19, demonstrators organized in front of the former Japanese Embassy in Seoul to voice their vehement opposition to […]
S. Korean demonstrators ramp up protests against Japan’s plans to dump radioactive water into the ocean — Fukushima 311 Watchdogs
Why AEMO wants the power to cut off your rooftop solar — RenewEconomy
AEMO defends and explains its decision to impose new controls over rooftop solar PV, including having the power to switch off household solar when needed. The post Why AEMO wants the power to cut off your rooftop solar appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Why AEMO wants the power to cut off your rooftop solar — RenewEconomy
The UN Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty and other news this week
Even the generally pro nuclear mainstream media could not ignore the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as it reached the required 50 ratifications to become law. Nuclear weapons – always inhumane and unacceptable, now illegal — IPPNW peace and health blog. The ethical and moral case grew stronger, for the U.N. nuclear ban treaty.
One important article this week links the otherwise irrational push for small nuclear reactors (SMRs) to their connection with the nuclear weapons industry.
Second COVID-19 wave swells across US and Europe as winter looms.
‘Back to the future of climate” –– research on the Eocene period, some 55 million years ago, when atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide were over 1,400 ppm, indicate what the Earth’s future climate might be. Then the temperatures on Earth must have resembled those of a sauna. It was hot and humid, and the ice on the polar caps had completely disappeared. That situation deeloped over millions of years. Now, industrialisation is bringing it about by soon after 2100.
AUSTRALIA.
After Victoria’s long and difficult coronavirus lockdown, it’s now the envy of the world. As coronavirus cases plummet, it’s time to ask: Is Australia ready for the third wave?
New government Bill could target journalists, environmental and human rights groups.
NUCLEAR.
Uranium: the mineral that never made sense now doesn’t even make dollars. BHP dumps its plan to expand Olympic Dam uranium mine. The Olympic Dam silver bullet is forever tarnished – BHP abandons plan to expand Olympic Dam uranium mine – a sign foe the future.
Australia has nuclear waste problems. Kimba residents have been sold a lemon – dubious financial gain from nuclear waste dump. How ANSTO’s Synroc nuclear waste solution turned out to be a dud.
CLIMATE. Kevin Rudd’s vision for a green recovery out of the pandemic.
RENEWABLE ENERGY. Twin peaks: South Australia reaches 100 pct solar, and then 100 pct wind power in same week.
INTERNATIONAL.
Global Covid-19 cases top 42.5mn: Johns Hopkins Oct 25, 2020.
The passing of the UN nuclear weapons ban treaty – an embarrassment and a problem for the USA, and the other nuclear weapons nations. . Difficulties in the membership of countries in the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
Why nuclear power Is unsustainable. Climate change a big threat to nuclear reactors – as water supplies at risk. Every dollar wasted on nuclear power is a dollar not invested in clean energy. The very genuine promise of cheap electricity – solar power.
Study finds that bees are harmed by quite low levels of ionising radiation.
The Guardian was grossly unfair to Julian Assange. They could still make up for this.
Geological disposal of nuclear waste – a focus of interest in the coming months.
PACIFIC ISLANDS. Pacific islands demand truth on the decades of nuclear testing, now that nuclear weapons are becoming illegal
As coronavirus cases plummet, it’s time to ask: Is Australia ready for the third wave?
“They are so beaten up by the lockdowns and by the fear messages that they are saying “I don’t want to do anything”.”
Yet notwithstanding the testing, the tracing, the social distancing, masking, mathematical modelling, quarantining and investment in public health, Australians will continue to live with COVID-19 for the foreseeable future.
As coronavirus cases plummet, it’s time to ask: Is Australia ready for the third wave? https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-25/coronavirus-preparing-for-the-third-wave/12802070 By Catherine Taylor
An uncomfortable question looms over Australia’s steady exit from its second major outbreak of coronavirus: are we ready for the third wave?
Health experts say it’s a question with an equally uncomfortable answer: a third wave remains a real threat and without a tested vaccine all we have is our self-control, and luck, standing between us and a fresh outbreak.
“We should not expect that we can beat this wave, and then it’s done. It’s the beginning of the next phase,” says Professor Jodie McVernon, an expert in epidemiology, vaccinology and public health at the Doherty Institute, who has been working in isolation for months “like a princess in a castle” from the front room of her Melbourne home.
Professor Raina MacIntyre — head of the Kirby Institute’s biosecurity program — goes further: “The only really feasible exit strategy at this stage is vaccination otherwise we’ll continue to face the risk of third, fourth, fifth and sixth waves.
There is a recipe for reducing risk
October 25 Energy News — geoharvey
Opinion: ¶ “Biden Argues For Move To Renewable Energy; AM Stands At The Ready” • Joe Biden has endorsed renewable energy, arguing for a move away from fossil fuels while adopting wind and solar power. Such a policy would mean renewable energy companies will ramp up production. And that would mean more work in additive […]
October 25 Energy News — geoharvey
Neoen completes finance for Australia’s biggest solar farm in Queensland — RenewEconomy
Neoen lands debt financing with banking syndicate for what will be Australia’s biggest solar farm. The post Neoen completes finance for Australia’s biggest solar farm in Queensland appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Neoen completes finance for Australia’s biggest solar farm in Queensland — RenewEconomy
UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons reaches the required 50 ratifications to become law
Historic milestone: UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons reaches 50 ratifications needed for entry into force https://www.icanw.org/historic_milestone_un_treaty_on_the_prohibition_of_nuclear_weapons_reaches_50_ratifications_needed_for_entry_into_force 25 Oct 20,
On October 24, 2020, the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons reached the required 50 states parties for its entry into force, after Honduras ratified just one day after Jamaica and Nauru submitted their ratifications. In 90 days, the treaty will enter into force, cementing a categorical ban on nuclear weapons, 75 years after their first use.
This is a historic milestone for this landmark treaty. Prior to the TPNW’s adoption, nuclear weapons were the only weapons of mass destruction not banned under international law, despite their catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Now, with the treaty’s entry into force, we can call nuclear weapons what they are: prohibited weapons of mass destruction, just like chemical weapons and biological weapons.
ICAN’s Executive Director Beatrice Fihn welcomed the historic moment. “This is a new chapter for nuclear disarmament. Decades of activism have achieved what many said was impossible: nuclear weapons are banned,” she said.
Setsuko Thurlow, survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, said “I have committed my life to the abolition of nuclear weapons. I have nothing but gratitude for all who have worked for the success of our treaty.” As a long-time and iconic ICAN activist who has spent decades sharing the story of the horrors she faced to raise awareness on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons this moment held particular significance: “This is the first time in international law that we have been so recognized. We share this recognition with other hibakusha across the world, those who have suffered radioactive harm from nuclear testing, from uranium mining, from secret experimentation.” Survivors of atomic use and testing all over the world have joined Setsuko in celebrating this milestone.
The three latest states to ratify were proud to be part of such a historic moment. All 50 states have shown true leadership to achieve a world without nuclear weapons, all while facing unprecedented levels of pressure from the nuclear armed states not to do so. A recent letter, obtained by AP only days before the ceremony, demonstrates that the Trump administration has been directly pressuring states that have ratified the treaty to withdraw from it and abstain from encouraging others to join it, in direct contradiction to their obligations under the treaty. Beatrice Fihn said: “Real leadership has been shown by the countries that have joined this historical instrument to bring it to full legal effect. Desperate attempts to weaken these leaders’ commitment to nuclear disarmament demonstrate only the fear of nuclear armed states of the change this treaty will bring.”
This is just the beginning. Once the treaty is in force, all states parties will need to implement all of their positive obligations under the treaty and abide by its prohibitions. States that haven’t joined the treaty will feel its power too – we can expect companies to stop producing nuclear weapons and financial institutions to stop investing in nuclear weapon producing companies.
How do we know? Because we have nearly 600 partner organisations in over 100 countries committed to advancing this treaty and the norm against nuclear weapons. People, companies, universities and governments everywhere will know this weapon has been prohibited and that now is the moment for them to stand on the right side of history
Australia’s submarine deal with a corrupt French company
Meanwhile, in Australia, the submarine deal continues. In February last year, after two years of negotiations, the government signed a ‘strategic partnership agreement’ with Naval Group. The signing took place despite the emergence of two more investigations into Naval, including alleged corruption on a 2009 submarine deal with Brazil and a significant security breach where complete plans of the new Scorpène submarines Naval had provided to India were apparently leaked from within Naval.
Strong anti-corruption measures essential
Vast amounts of Australian taxpayers’ money are being handed to military industrial companies, including Naval Group, in contracts. Yet the perennial lack of transparency in defence procurement, blanket secrecy surrounding Australian weapons exports, and a pervasive “culture of cosiness” between government and industry all continue.
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Murder, corruption, bombings – the company at centre of Australia’s submarine deal, Michael West Media by Michelle Fahy | Oct 24, 2020 The arms company at the centre of a deadly criminal saga and numerous global corruption scandals, Naval Group, was selected by the Australian government to build our new fleet of submarines – a deal heralded as ‘one of the world’s most lucrative defence contracts‘. How did this happen? In this special investigation Michelle Fahy discovers significant gaps in anti-bribery and corruption measures on this massive procurement project. The message communicated far and wide is that our standards are lax; grey areas are tolerated; and we’ll bend the rules and look the other way.
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Small nuclear reactors – just a convenient ‘cover’ for the nuclear weapons industry
so-called “small nuclear reactors”
Downing Street told the Financial Times, which it faithfully reported, that it was “considering” £2 billion of taxpayers’ money to support “small nuclear reactors”
They are not small
The first thing to know about these beasts is that they are not small. 440MW? The plant at Wylfa (Anglesey, north Wales) was 460MW (it’s closed now). 440MW is bigger than all the Magnox type reactors except Wylfa and comparable to an Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor.
Only if military needs are driving this decision is it explicable.
”Clearly, the military need to maintain both reactor construction and operation skills and access to fissile materials will remain. I can well see the temptation for Defence Ministers to try to transfer this cost to civilian budgets,”
Any nation’s defence budget in this day and age cannot afford a new generation of nuclear weapons. So it needs to pass the costs onto the energy sector.
How the UK’s secret defence policy is driving energy policy – with the public kept in the dark. https://www.thefifthestate.com.au/energy-lead/how-the-uks-secret-defence-policy-is-driving-energy-policy-with-the-public-kept-in-the-dark/ BY DAVID THORPE / 13 OCTOBER 2020
The UK government has for 15 years persistently backed the need for new nuclear power. Given its many problems, most informed observers can’t understand why. The answer lies in its commitment to being a nuclear military force. Continue reading
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Help Aunty Sue Protect Her Land and Sacred Sites From Destructive Rocket Testing.
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AUKUS – https://aukuspublicinquiry.com/
PETITION – To: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Government
of the week – Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR)
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